Lutherans, Anglicans and Roman Catholics celebrating 20 years together

Dorothy Hewitt and I are your representatives on the Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic (LARC) Interchurch Committee.

In the spring of 1996 a request for an initial informal meeting was sent to Lutherans and Anglicans from the Roman Catholic Diocesan Jubilee 2000 Committee. Discussions focused on shared involvement in Jubilee 2000 preparations and celebrations, the existing Lutheran-Roman Catholic covenant community in Guelph, possible ecumenical celebrations and arranging a meeting of bishops.

Then, in August 1996 Bishops Huras of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), Asbil of the Anglican Diocese of Niagara, with Tonnos and Ustrzycki of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton met over lunch. They decided to establish an interchurch committee with representatives from each church.

In the fall of 1996 through the spring of 1997 the LARC Interchurch Committee was established. It included the ELCIC Eastern Synod, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton and the Anglican Dioceses of Huron and Niagara. An initial LARC members retreat was held at St. Michael’s House Convent in Oakville.

The purpose and aims of the committee were clarified and initial initiatives were determined. Plans were made to provide information to clergy groups about LARC and to invite feedback.

Twenty years later the committee continues to meet and plan events where all clergy of the dioceses and synod can meet, learn and get to know each other better.

The next event is on May 25, 2017 commemorating 500 years of the Reformation – Hopes and Visions for the Future of Christian Unity. Our distinguished facilitator is Dr. Catherine Clifford of St. Paul’s University, Ottawa. All four bishops will take part.

I urge all clergy to attend this day of renewal from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Enjoy supper on your own at one of the downtown restaurants, and then join your lay people at 7:00 p.m. for prayer, with music from the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary Choir Inshallah. Catherine Clifford is our Homilist.

All of this takes place in Guelph at the Basilica of Our Lady of Immaculate, 28 Norfolk Street.

Cost of the events during the day, including lunch, is $25.

The evening is free.

Using the form below you can email me to register.

I look forward to a wonderful time of ecumenical sharing with our sisters and brothers in Christ.

The Reverend Canon Jean Archbell is Rector of St. James Dundas.